Who we, and our dogs are...

Toni Barnhart became involved in the sport of Dog Agility in 2000 in California. After moving to Hawai'i in 2004, she collaborated with a group of people to help bring agility to East Hawaii. She is a founding member, and past President of the Orchid Isle Dog Agility Club. Oscar is an 11 year old Australian Shepherd/ Border Collie cross. He has NADAC elite and AKC Masters titles. Oliver the other "Bossie" is 9 years old. Rowan, the Border Collie, is 5 ands begun her agility career.

Dawn Bradford has been involved in agility for over 6 years. She and her Bossie Porsche excel in NADAC elite and AKC excellent levels of competition. Her Border Collie Aston was a rescue. He is a very high drive dog, and has taught Dawn a lot about training and handling natural high drive in dogs. Dawn also excels in teaching contact and weave training and group lessons. Dawn has been a member of the OIDA board.

Tobi Feves has taught dog obedience for over 9 years both privately and for the Hilo Obedience Training Club. Tobi was also instrumental in bringing agility to the Big Island and is a founding member of the Orchid Isle Dog Agility Club, and currently serves as Trial Secretary for OIDA and Trial Chair for HOTC. She is an avid agility competitor, taking her first agility dog "Pa'a" to the highest levels of competition, both here and on Oahu. Mickey, a dachshund, is Tobi's current agility competitor. He is a young dog running in NADAC elite and AKC excellent levels. Tobi teaches "Introduction to Agility" and "Beginning Agility" classes.

Emma Gerrish started agility at the age of 15 with her Shetland Sheepdog, Noel. She and Noel competed in AKC, NADAC, and CPE agility earning titles along the way. Emma is currently training Jessie, a 8 year old shepherd mix, and Geri, a 4 year old Catahoula Pit Bull mix who is having fun with foundation work. Emma has a great deal of expertise in teaching dogs and their handlers how to develop drive in their dogs, and also teaches beginning agility, group classes and contact training.

Michele Macdonald has been training dogs all her life, and began her agility career with Pepper her Australian Heeler/ Border Collie cross in 2008, and hasn't looked back. Pepper is retired after running in elite levels, while Michele's Australian Shepherd Apple is actively competing at elite levels. Michele also is a wizard with dogs who need rehab from injuries.

We provide private and semi-private lessons in agility for interested individuals and their dogs on the Big Island. We emphasize positive training, and having fun with your dog(s). We also stress the need for strong foundation skills.

Please see the "classes" page of this website for more details on classes.